I've had buttery fingers nonstop this month watching first the blogger boyz explain how they're really not that disappointed in Obama reappointing practically the entire Clinton administration, and now this Blogojevich kerfuffle which is NOT related to Barack Obama, absolutely not, no sir.
This afternoon's matinee performance with extra butter was Jesse Jackson Jr's press conference. Oh, and don't forget the salt, either. JJJ's statements in this press conference could use a few grains. Although the complaint listed candidates for Obama's Senate seat only as senate candidates number one through five, the old "it's a bit dog that howls" principle ordained that JJJ call a press conference to spontaneously deny that this had anything to do with him. In particular, he's not senate candidate five, who was mentioned on the tapes as offering to raise some serious money (one-half to one million dollars) for Blogojevich's reelection. Of course, Blogojevich also said candidate five's word was no good, based on past experience, so he wanted the money up front before the appointment. In cash.
I ask you, does this sound like JJJ? Apparently, JJJ was concerned that it sounded enough like him to call a press conference to deny everything.
At a Capitol Hill news conference, Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr., said he had "no involvement whatsoever in any wrongdoing" in the case against Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich and was "shocked and saddened" by the governor's arrest.
Well, we ALL were, Jesse. Only some of us called a news conference, though. Tell us a bit more about what this has to do (or not to do) with you, please.
"I want to make this fact plain," Jackson said this afternoon. "I reject and denounce pay to play politics and have no involvement whatosever in any wrongdoing. I did not initiate or authorize anyone at any time to promise anything to the governor on my behalf. I never sent a message or an emissary to the governor to make an offer, to plead my case or to propose a deal about a U.S. Senate seat, period."
...
Jackson's lawyer, James Montgomery Sr., said federal authorities called the congressman Monday and told him he is not a target but should expect questions, the Chicago Tribune says. Jackson will meet with investigators as soon as Friday, Montgomery said.
That's a safe prediction - expect questions, Jesse.
Jesse's current story is that he's a wide-eyed babe in the woods, and was hoping to get the position on merit - sorta like he got his House seat, I guess.
Jackson, a 13-year House member, said he met with Blagojevich on Monday for the first time in four years, to discuss his qualifications for the Senate seat. "I thought mistakenly that the process was fair, aboveboard and on the merits," he said. "I thought mistakenly that I had a chance and was being considered because I had earned it. Clearly I was badly mistaken."
And here's the funny part... Jesse lawyered up yesterday, and his current mouthpiece is James Montgomery, Sr. Montgomery said some pranksters probably went to Blagojevich misrepresenting themselves as JJJ's agents. (Whoever you guys are who did this for Jesse, welcome to the underside of the bus!)
He said Jackson had nothing to do with any wrongdoing or pay-to-play scheme. "Politicians and fundraisers do some very strange things from time to time and I wouldn't put it past someone to be purporting to represent Jesse without authority," Montgomery said. He said Jackson is outraged and "it is an alarming thing."
Montgomery also said Jackson "absolutely" remains interested in the Senate seat but admits any selection at this point "may very well be tainted."
Gee, if he'd just kicked in a half mil or so for Blogo's re-election, I suppose the selection would smell like lilies of the valley.
Not so fast - don't leave the podium yet, Jesse. There are more questions.
"Always aim high, work hard, and care deeply about what you believe in. When you stumble, keep faith. When you?re knocked down, get right back up. And NEVER listen to anyone who says you can't or shouldn't go on."
Hillary Clinton - June 7, 2008
